How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, growth, and other waste. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their sturdy and virtually rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However, they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system, and can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace at the point where duct segments meet particularly at joints. The ducts can become loose and split as time passes due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in ducts by conducting an inspection of your basement, attic and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Be aware of any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots are another indication of a leaking air duct. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this issue may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the building, even when household activities haven’t changed. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also release toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for example could expose your family members to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is particularly dangerous when you have children or elderly people living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This could cause a variety of problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the use of water in the home as much as you can. This means cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and for decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home dryer.

It is also important to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other problems. If there’s a problem the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to joint seals that are not properly installed that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive however they last longer and resist pests.

Airflow can be impeded by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also result in uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is a significant issue in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects that they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It is crucial that the ductwork is easy to access, as this will affect the speed with which the pro can get to work and the overall cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

Visual signs of mold around the air vents are a good indicator that you need to employ an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then there is definitely a problem. If there is a musty odor, this is also an indication of a mold spore.

Mold can also be detected by torn or damaged air insulation in ducts, tears on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious it could be that you see rotting wood and sliding metal.

The most common type of mold that can be found in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It is commonly found on drywall and wood surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can trigger irritation to the throat, nose, and eyes, as well as respiratory issues.

Mold in the air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more than in children and the elderly. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

It is suggested homeowners not to attempt to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and keep it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and make sure that it does not recur.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters frequently and to clean the ducts at least once every few years. These steps will keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general sense of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is an essential part of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander are the most common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley home on clothes or shoes, and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and let you breathe more comfortably.

A duct that is dirty could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergy symptoms. The bacteria can be transmitted when air passes through your ducts and the vents in your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up within them and circulate throughout your home whenever you turn on the air cooling. This can cause respiratory problems and even cause more serious illnesses in certain instances.

Many people, especially in the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are most likely to settle into places which won’t be re-infested until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas, and when they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in your air ducts until you switch on your cooling or heating system.

Dirty air ducts can create many issues for homeowners, including higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will apply a sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.